Aim for style with minimal effort - a hottie could pop up and you don't want to look like chopped liver. Go with your favourite jeans and swop your tees for a slightly dressy blouse. Pretty ballet flats complete the casual chic look. Complement, don't outshine him. Last but not least, put on some make-up and have a good time.

Top by Twelfth Street/Cynthia Vincent, $380, from Ecclectism, 01-07 Wisma Atria; necklace, $45, from River Island, 02-24 Raffles City and 01-41 VivoCity; jeans by Rock & Republic, $479, from Inhabit, B1-03 Palais Renaissance; pumps, $75, from Banana Republic, 02-06 Paragon

On him: As a benchmark, wear what you would when taking your Mum out for a nice meal.

Your best girl pal shouldn't be embarrassed to be seen with you. Make a little effort, it's the gentlemanly thing to do. So swop your usual tee for a collared cotton or linen shirt and leave it untucked for comfort. You can wear your favourite jeans or khakis and sneakers, as long as they're clean. And do comb your hair.

You know you've got it right when you can pass off as a long-time couple to the untrained eye.

Printed cotton shirt, $335, and canvas belt, $115, from Agnes b., Level 3 Isetan Scotts; jeans by Rock & Republic, $599, from Inhabit; sneakers, $255, from Aldo, 03-24 Wisma Atria and 01-07 Raffles City Shopping Centre

Go for girlish, not vampy. A pretty, off-shoulder frock shows off the shoulders and a sweetheart necklace draws attention to the decolletage. Keep hemlines at the knees and do wear heels. They tighten calves and make your gait more feminine.

Silk bustier dress by Tara Jarmon, $899, from Tang + Co Women's, Tangs Orchard; peep-toe heels, $155, and necklace, $19, both from Aldo

On him: You want to show her you've given your outfit some thought but don't necessarily want to give it your all yet.

Keep it casual but chic: A clean shirt is always a good bet. A knit vest dresses it up without being too formal. Jeans - clean and unshredded - are as casual as you should go. Loafers also say comfy without being too uptight.

Cotton shirt by Library, $119, from Level 3 Tangs Orchard; wool knit vest, $53, and leather shoes, $139, both from River Island; jeans, $295, from Agnes b.; and plastic spectacle frames, $350, from AS Optics, B1-69 Lucky Plaza

Your clothes should herald the new, empowered you, like how Nicole Kidman embraced heels after she split up with Tom Cruise.

Outfits like figure-hugging cheongsams and corset dresses that show off womanly curves will do the trick, as will sexy bustiers matched with prim, austere pencil skirts. For shoes, keep the heels but go for classic pumps or oxford-style booties - they say take charge rather than 'I'm yours'.

Dress, $319, from Bebe, 02-28 Wisma Atria and 01-120/125 VivoCity; clutch by Luana, $399, from Tang + Co Women's; watch, $69, from River Island; and leather pumps, $155, from Aldo

On him: Dress to impress. Every woman wants a man who will clean up his act for her. The fact that you're doing it for your new girl will make your ex see green.

Don't slouch and turn on your charm. A sharp suit, a crisp dress shirt and classic black, patent or matte leather dress shoes are fail-proof measures. A sleek timepiece completes the look because, really, the only accessory you want to show off is the classy girl by your side.

Who knows, Ms Right Now may just end up being Ms Right.

Cotton shirt, $295, wool jacket, $1,290, wool pants, $565, all from Agnes b.; and shoes by Library, $269, from Level 3 Tangs Orchard

Wear the bare minimum but keep your underwear on - it separates the vamp from the tramp. Just make sure it's tiny, lacy or slinky.

Take a cue from sex bombs such as Marilyn Monroe and her iconic halter dress in the 1955 movie The Seven Year Itch. Satin slip numbers in neutral shades like cream, champagne or steely gun metal are perfect, and a classy hue counters the tart factor of a tiny outfit.

Heels - stilettoes or strappy slingback sandals that bare more skin - are a must. Towering and sexy, they are, to put it politely, 'take me home' shoes.

Dress by Grey Ant, $269, from Inhabit; heels, $135, bangles, $35 for a set of three, and bracelet, $35, all from Aldo

On him: Hold back a little. Women find discretion and class far sexier. Do debonair with nonchalance, like Daniel Craig as James Bond, and you'll drive her wild.

Jackets work every time, but make sure yours fits well. If you've got a ripped bod, wear a snug but not tight tee. You want her to appreciate your masculinity, not doubt it.

If you're lanky or on the heavier side, a skimming tee is more flattering. Go for V-necks to show some skin but don't unbutton it further than your chest bone. Chest hair can be off-putting.

Slim-cut jeans or trousers are always good. They show off lean legs without hampering movement. Perfect in case you need to do the mating dance first.

Top, $145, from Agnes b.; jacket by Library, $599 for a full suit, from Level 3 Tangs Orchard; jeans by Rock & Republic, $489, from Inhabit; and shoes, $195, from Aldo